Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go visit the Mariana Islands.
1.) Suicide Cliff located in Saipan A SOMBER PLACE. So many Saipan civilians jumped to their deaths , sometimes holding their children. They were told by the Japanese armed forces on the island that American soldiers would commit atrocities against them if they surrendered. However, SOME of the saipan civilians noticed that some of the American troops had rosaries, and came to DOUBT that the American troops would do what the Japanese soldiers were telling them. they did NOT jump, and thus survived the war. it is a little tough to find. there is a dirt road you have to drive up to get to suicide cliff . If you go too far, you will wind up at a university research station , and the guard will redirect you to the right spot - which is the dirt road you passed on the way up! be prepared for an emotional experience.
2.) American Memorial Park located in Garapan American Memorial Park honors the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II. 5,204 Names are inscribed on a memorial which was dedicated during the 50th Anniversary of the Invasion of Saipan. The Visitor Center is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Sunday. Inside there is an exhibit hall that gives more information about Operation Forager, which includes the Battles of Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippine Sea. The exhibits are in English and Japanese. There are translation binders of the exhibits available in Chinese, Korean, and Russian. "An Island Called Saipan", the park's movie is available for viewing in the Visitor Center. As of Dec 2014, the movie is offered in five languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Russian. Pacific Historic Parks (PHP) book store within the Visitor Center has a wide selection of souvenirs available for purchase.
3.) Mt.Tapochau The view allows you to see all of Saipan and the neighboring island of Tinian. On very clear days you even can see Rota and Annatahan. There are plaques with a history of the liberation from WW2 to read
4.) Atomic Bomb Pits located in Tinian You can view the pits where the 2 Atomic Bombs were loaded onto the B-29's Enola Gay and Box Car. Very interesting for WWII history buffs. Getting to the bomb pits by driving up "Broadway" and then on "Runway Able" was as interesting as the pits themselves. Tinian is shaped a bit like Manhattan and the "streets" were named after Manhattan streets. Wall Street, Broadway, 8th Avenue, Canal Street, 42nd street, were just some of the roads created on Tinian when it was one of the biggest air bases during WWII. There are some interesting photos and information at the bomb pits and nearby are some old Japanese military structures.
5.) Micro Beach Micro Beach is a nice sandy beach compared to other beaches on Saipan. Beach is clean and the water has decent depth to be able to swim, snorkel (no coral close to shore), paddle board or rent Waverunners. There is boat traffic for banana boats and shuttles to the island so keep your eye out for them.
6.) Puntan Sabaneta located in Garapan Memorials abound here for WWII's sad, tragic history of suicides of Japanese military and citizens. Like 'Suicide Cliff' at Mt. Marpi visible as backdrop from here, one cannot help but feel choked up with sadness of its tragic history. Beautiful vistas of mass blue ocean and tumultuous waves crashing against the cliffside. This is a very beautiful place but it is too hot so you need to prepare to bring a sun cap. At night, this place shows different scenes and you can see many stars.
7.) Last Command Post Park lost in Saipan this somber place is at the base of Suicide Cliff. visit to commemorate all the Allied forces, Japanese forces and civilians who died on Saipan. standing where the Japanese defenders fought to the death - and when out of ammunition, threw themselves off the cliffs at Banzai Cliff - was moving and evocative of the terrible waste of war.
8.) Bird Island Nice coastal view from Bird Island lookout and worth a visit as it is a short drive. It is a bird sanctuary and there is signage to remind you - Marine Protected Area. When the tide is right, you can actually walk to the island from the beach below - but as it is a marine protected area want to see some spectacular views then you must see the sunrise here and the shooting stars at night
9.) Taga Beach Located on a quiet little island in the Northern Marianas The water is warm and the cliffs are close enough to the water to jump off and the crystal clear water with nice reefs to snorkel around
10.) Old Man by the Sea After a 20-30 minute hike down, you will not be disappointed. The natural scenic features are gorgeous and breathtaking. Be prepared for strong currents but amazing tidal pools and platforms from which to enjoy the incoming or outgoing tides. The hike backup will be tiring and take longer so leave an hour before dark and bring water to drink with you.
11.)Garapan Street Market a great event to go to with friends to get cheap fusion cuisine etc. Also a great place to showcase some island culture and talents. Great place to pass time but it gets hot.
12.) Old Japanese Cannon located in Rota This cannon dates from WWII when the Japanese installed it to defend the island. It still swings, but make sure and put it back in position. The road nearby is very narrow, and you will break a windshield otherwise!
Coming from Songsong, the road is mostly paved. North and west of here, it’s a two track, and that’s generous. Without four wheel drive, you can’t go more than about five miles per hour. Be careful.
13.) Imperial Palace · Located in Garapan at the heart of Saipan, this world luxury holiday resort will be a rare combination of luxury integrated casinos, five-star luxury accommodation, and a wide range of exclusive dining and entertainment facilities, including more than 200 gaming tables and over 350 slot machines. The 14-storey hotel building will offer more than 340 opulent hotel suites including 15 deluxe villas to exceed the satisfaction of all guests who pay attention to every detail.
14.) House of Taga This site gives you a snapshot of how amazing the Chamorro People were and their ability to create and carve out of stone these incredible structures by hand. The history of the Taga House was fascinating.
15.) Concrete Jesus One of the most underrated experiences on Saipan. There is plenty of space up on the top of Mt. Tapochau to bring a blanket, cooler and picnic, surrounded by a 360-degree view of Saipan and the Pacific Ocean. It will always be cooler up here, sometimes cool enough for a jacket or sweater. Pro tip: for sunset, get there an hour before the sun actually sets, because the sky really starts getting dramatic then, and stay at least a half-hour after the sun actually sets, because the sky will continue turning very beautiful colors as the stars and planets become more visible!
16.) Sugar King Park This is a monument to the Japanese business man, Haruji Matsue, that introduced sugar cane farming to the Island in the 1920's. There is an old train engine from the narrow-gauge rail lines he built to transport the sugar cane. A large statue, and several other items of interest. There is also a very nice Japanese temple / shrine "way back" in the park. Separated by a 5 minute walk and hill and much greenery, but well worth the visit. It is currently being refurbished and is one of the best kept shrines I have seen on the island. On the other side of the parking lot, there is a great skate park
17.) Nmi Museum Of History And Culture The NMI Museum used to house the old Japanese hospital that operated in 1926.
18.) Axe Murderer Dive Tours hours of operation are 11-5pm I am taking a different approach to dive getaways. I do not like groups and will do everything I can to avoid them. Private guiding & instruction offers a much, much better experience for the customer and I want you to have the ultimate experience. I offer hotel pick up and drop off for my customers. I offer a full range of scuba certifications from Discover Dive through Divemaster and everything in between. I am also a very experienced dive guide with over 15,000 dives on Saipan. I typically book up in advance, so if you want to dive with me, please make reservations ahead of time. We have also added 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, full kitchen, free laundry facilities, a big back deck with 8 seat table and an 8 person jacuzzi. I offer free airport pick up if you stay with us, free breakfast each morning & unlimited jacuzzi time. I have created what I would consider the ultimate dive experience & stay, it is what I would want if I were the customer.
19.) Marianas Trekking Located inside the Mariana Resort and Spa, Marianas Trekking is the pioneer of adventure travel on Saipan. The company offers experiences including Grotto Snorkeling, Buggy and ATV Rides, trekking to Forbidden Island, Downhill Mountain Biking, Kayak/SUP Tours, and Go Karting. Our adventure center is the perfect launch site for your best days on Saipan and includes a Go Kart Track, Off Road Track, Secluded Beach, Swimming Pools, Spa, and rental gear.
20.) See Saipan Adventures See Saipan Adventures is the island's most authentic tour & activity service. Locally owned and operated, our company is dedicated to providing customers with memorable experiences. We strive to market products and services that are sustainable and beneficial to the local community.
21.) Skydive Saipan Skydiving is what we do, and we love what we do. Our Tandem Skydive Instructors are enthusiastic, highly experienced, and committed to ensuring you have a safe and memorable skydiving experience you’ll never forget.
22.) Ataari Dinner Show The best cultural dinner experience in Saipan. Enjoy an action-packed evening with entertainment showcasing the best of Micronesia and beyond with a delicious buffet of local and international favorites.
There is so much history packed into the islands. Go enjoy yourself and soak up the beauty of a beautiful beach at every turn. I hope that you take the time to really deep dive and immerse yourself in the history of this country.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
